What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are oval-shaped insects and are prolific breeders. They live together in large groups. They are very adaptable, making them difficult pests for home and business owners to keep out.
Cockroaches are nocturnal; this means they hide during the day and emerge at night to find food. Cockroaches are scavengers and feed on both food and non-food items. Their feeding habits help to break down decaying matter, but when these pests invade our homes to feed, cockroaches quickly turn from helpful to harmful.
The most common species of cockroaches living in our area and invading our structures include:
- American cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
- German cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
Are cockroaches dangerous?
The cockroach’s unsanitary living and feeding habits are what cause these insects to be such dangerous pests. Cockroaches crawl through sewers, wooded areas, drains, garbage piles, and other less than sanitary places. As they move, cockroaches pick up bacteria, human pathogens, diseases, and parasites on their body and legs.
If you have cockroaches in your home, as they move about over floors, counters, tables, dishes, and food prep areas, they contaminate surfaces and food with things that make people ill. Cockroaches can spread E. coli, salmonella, gastroenteritis, staph, and strep.
Triggering allergies is another problem caused by cockroaches. The cockroach’s feces and shed skins trigger cold-like symptoms. Cockroach infestations also cause asthma attacks in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Trash cans, compost, pet food, and outdoor eating areas are common places where cockroaches forage for food, things most of us have in our yards. If cockroaches live in your outdoor space, it won’t be long until they find their way inside, searching for more food sources.
Cockroaches move inside, squeezing their flat bodies through openings in exterior walls, the foundation, or torn window or door screens. These unwanted pests may also hide in boxes, packages, used furniture, appliances, and even electronics.
Signs cockroaches have found a way into your home include:
- A strong unpleasant odor developing within your home.
- Finding black pepper-like droppings in drawers, cabinets, and on the ground.
- Seeing cockroaches scurry away when you turn on a light at night, usually in the kitchen or bathroom.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Cockroaches take up residence in a variety of areas in the home. Some of their favorite spaces to invade include basements, kitchens, bathrooms, crawlspaces, laundry rooms, and attics.
- Brown-banded cockroaches live in warm, dry areas, preferring locations away from leaky pipes, faucets, and other water sources. Inside, they hide out in the upper parts of cabinets, in upholstered furniture, behind doors frames, inside electronics, and in attics.
- American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and German cockroaches all prefer to live in areas of heat and humidity. You’ll find them living in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- German cockroaches prefer to live indoors and are a major problem inside of homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and wherever else there is food preparation or storage. Both American and Oriental cockroaches live mainly outside but still often find their way indoors, seeking moisture and food.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are not pests anyone wants to find in their home or business. But, if you ever do, don’t panic, reach out to the pest control experts at Malang Pest Control! We will quickly and discreetly rid your property of cockroaches by using customized treatment plans, targeted services, integrated pest management, and modern, eco-friendly products.
At Malang Pest Control, we are “focused on providing the best pest control services you’ve ever had!” We are committed to meeting each of our customer’s unique pest control needs, eliminating pests and keeping them out.
If you are looking for a solution to a cockroach problem in your home or business, reach out to Malang Pest Control and learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services!
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
Prevent cockroaches in the future by partnering with Malang Pest Control, and using the following prevention tips:
- Vacuum your floors and wipe down tables daily to help keep your home free of food debris that attracts cockroaches.
- Cockroaches are scavengers and also feed on non-food items like soap and toothpaste. Keep kitchen and bathroom sinks clean and wiped down.
- Pick up uneaten pet food every evening before going to bed.
- Store your family’s food in sealed containers or the refrigerator. Don’t leave food out in the open on counters or tables.
- Inspect the outside of your house and seal up any cracks in the foundation and exterior walls to keep wandering cockroaches out.
- Inspect boxes and used items for signs of cockroaches before bringing them into your home.